Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Some advice on how to equip truck

[gahorn]

As you can see from my sig, I have an '01 RAM 2500 CTD with 89,000 miles that is stock with the exception of gauges and an in-tank LP. We are planning on getting a fifth wheel RV in the near future (36 - 38 foot) and I would like some advice on how to upgrade the truck in order to make it as dependable as possible. A new VP 44 is in my near future (got code 0216 plus dead pedal):{.

My in-laws think I would be better off trading for a newer (2006-2007) 3500 dually than putting money into this truck.



Thanks for any advice.



Gary

 

[Forrest Nearing]

I think as long as you keep the modifications fairly mild, that truck will do everything you need it to do for considerably less money than a new truck. Put a good lift pump system on it to help keep the new injection pump alive, and you should be good to go for a long time

 

[FLynes]

Gary,



First off, welcome to the forum. I would NEVER EVER get rid of my 2nd gen'r. I've owned three Rams, a 97 Gasser (loved it, but it wasn't a Cummins), an 05 which was a decent truck, but not what I needed and finally this beautiful 01, which will stay in the family forever.



The first thing I would do is can that POS in-tank Lift Pump... . they're junk and they'll kill your Injection Pump quicker than you can blink.



Second thing I would do is install an AirDog (my choice) or FASS Lift Pump system... . best money you could ever put in your truck. Both are good systems.



You have gauges, which is good.



4" exhaust will make it breathe better for sure, but I'm hearing that 5" is overkill for our rigs.



If you're so inclined, Quadzilla makes excellent products for our trucks... . based on what I'm reading about MADS Electronics, I'd stay away from the Smarty... I make my decisions based on quality, upgrades and customer support, and it seems that they're lacking right now; Quad has a good reputation and is in TEXAS!!!!



I can't think of much else at the moment..... anyone else wanna chime in?

 

[DSeamans]

Keep it

Personally, I rather stick 20g on mine than 35+g on a new one. If you start bombing, first thing is transmission upgrades. Second, get rid of the intank pump and get a Airdog or Fass. Then it depends on how hot you want it. You can go as simple as intake/exhaust and rv275's to as crazy as you want. I love the way mine is right now. I can pull anything I want with the box down or smoke the tires in third and fourth with it up. Remember, your base engine is nearly indestructible, its the rest of the truck you upgrade by going newer.

Dave

 

[DSeamans]

Fred, we must have been typing at the same time. Darn near same reply! We love our 2nd gen!

Dave

 

[gahorn]

Thanks for the replies guys. I've had the truck for a little over 6 years and it is my first diesel truck. Haven't had any issues with it until the LP went last year and I made the mistake of taking it to the dealership for repair. I wish I had been a member of TDR prior to this, but live and learn. I'm getting ready to place the order for the IP, but am wondering if there is really any differences between MWFI's VP44 and the one sold by Blue Chip. Anyone have any thoughts?



Thanks again TDR members



Gary

 

[Houser]

I think Blue Chip just charges more for the same pump

Houser

 

[MFranz]

I went Industrial Injection on the injection pump,Air Dog on the fuel pump,and

DTT on the transmission upgrades. Happy with all. Be prepared to spend some $$$$$. Doing some of the work yourself helps. Good Luck and welcome to the TDR. Its a wealth of information.

Take care

Mike

 

[mroidt]

Keep the truck

Too much for new

You can fix alot of crap for 35-40K

 

[FLynes]

Fred, we must have been typing at the same time. Darn near same reply! We love our 2nd gen!

Dave

Dave,



Great minds do think alike, and they're all on this forum! I mean, after all, we do own CTDs, right?

 

[gahorn]

Thanks -- now new issue

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice. Now I have another issue. Went out this morning fired the truck up and started down the road with the intent of going back in the woods to move some firewood. When I went to put the truck in 4-wheel drive (woods is very wet); it felt like it went into gear but the indicator light didn't come on. I backed up several feet thinking maybe it wasn't going in due to bind, but still no light. I went off road into the ditch & tried to spin the tires to see if it actually was in 4WD and discovered it wasn't -- only spun the back tires. Went back home & crawled under the truck, checked out the vacuum lines and everything appeared OK. Went back out & tried again but no luck. Any suggestions?



Thanks everyone



Gary